For many car enthusiasts, certain vehicles transcend mere transportation and become objects of desire, embodying automotive perfection. For Arnold Panganiban, that dream car was, and remains, the Mercedes-Benz 190E 3.2 AMG, affectionately known as the “Baby Hammer.” His journey to owning this rare and remarkable machine is a testament to enduring passion and the fulfillment of a long-held aspiration.
Arnold’s fascination with AMG-tuned Mercedes began in the late 1980s. As a young admirer, he frequented Beverly Hills Motoring Accessories, the authorized AMG dealer before the official merger, simply to gaze at the showroom marvels. Among them were the imposing AMG Hammers (W124s) and the captivating “Baby Hammer” (W201), each a product of AMG’s meticulous tuning. Reading about these cars in magazines fueled his desire, and weekly visits to the dealership became a ritual. The Baby Hammer, being relatively more attainable, especially captured his imagination. He recalls dreaming of owning one, personalized license plate “AMG 3.2L” and all.
Arnold’s love for cars traces back to his childhood in the Philippines, inspired by an uncle who nurtured his passion for automotive mechanics and racing. This early influence led him down a path of car appreciation, repair, and eventually, racing himself.
Fast forward to 1993, and Arnold was working night shifts as a respiratory therapist. During downtime, he habitually scanned the used car ads in the LA Times. A particular ad stopped him in his tracks: “190E 3.2 AMG $18,500”. Could it be? Driven by overwhelming curiosity, he called the number. The owner confirmed his hopes – it was indeed the Beverly Hills Motoring Accessories “Baby Hammer”. Without hesitation, despite sleep deprivation, he drove to Pasadena to see the car. Nerves, excitement, and anticipation surged as he approached his dream car.
A college-aged woman greeted him, explaining the car had been a high school graduation gift. Now, college completed, she was upgrading to an SL500. The Baby Hammer was immaculate, seemingly untouched since its showroom days in 1988. Negotiations ensued, and the very next day, Arnold became the proud owner of his dream Mercedes-Benz Hammer. While “AMG 3.2L” plates were unavailable, he settled for “30 AMG,” a fitting tribute.
His affection for the Baby Hammer is unwavering, a love affair that began in 1988 and continues to this day. Remarkably reliable, the car has never once stalled on him. Beneath the unassuming 190E body lies a full AMG transformation: body kit, wheels, a potent 3.2-liter AMG tuned engine, and a luxurious Zebrano wood interior. Arnold has consciously preserved the car’s original showroom condition, cherishing it precisely as it is.
The Mercedes Benz Hammer remains in excellent condition, benefiting from a repaint a few years prior. Otherwise, originality reigns, down to the interior floor mats. A daily driver from 1996 to 2012, it now enjoys weekend excursions through the Santa Clarita hills. For Arnold, driving this exceptional machine is “pure satisfaction,” an unmatched joy.
This Mercedes-Benz 190E 3.2 AMG “Baby Hammer” is likely unique, a fact underscored by features in prominent automotive publications like Road & Track, Automobile, and Auto Week. Arnold’s story is a reminder that automotive dreams, fueled by passion and perseverance, can indeed come true, and that the allure of a classic Mercedes-Benz Hammer remains timeless.
